Johnny Depp’s ‘The Lone Ranger’ Gets A Trailer [Video]

The Lone Ranger is taking no prisoners this week, having earlier released promotional photos and a teaser poster to ramp up excitement for the official trailer, which landed this morning.

Most of the talk surrounding The Lone Ranger has regarded Johnny Depp’s controversial casting as Tonto. Though Depp is one-quarter Cherokee and was adopted by the Comanche Nation, there has been some criticism that his casting is racially insensitive. Furthermore, the film’s twist, telling the Lone Ranger’s story from the perspective of his side-kick, has earned some fan concern. Though Armie Hammer (who plays the titular character) is a talented actor, he is still a relative unknown, and some fans are concerned that Depp will overshadow his performance Jack Sparrow-style.

The trailer might go towards assuaging that fear as Depp’s Tonto seems to have toned down the quirky mannerisms in favor of a more straightforward portrayal. Whether or not Armie Hammer’s Lone Ranger will play plucky comic relief or carry the movie alongside Depp remains to be seen.

After viewing The Lone Ranger trailer, I see real potential for the film. Westerns are difficult to pull off these days, but The Lone Ranger could re-invigorate the genre in the same way that Pirates of the Caribbean gave new life to the swashbuckling genre.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, Disney’s The Lone Ranger stars Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson, and Helena Bonham Carter.

A synopsis for The Lone Ranger, via JustJared, reveals:

“Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.”

The Lone Ranger rides into theaters on July 3, 2013. Check out the trailer below, and let us know what you think!